Tag: Black-Owned Businesses

Black-Owned Beauty Brands We Love

Published on by Crystal Lee1 Comment

If we could only pick one thing that we have loved to see in the beauty space over the last several years, it would be the diversification of brands—especially, Black-owned beauty brands. Top retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Target, Nordstrom, and more have diversified their catalogs exponentially to increase the number of Black-owned brands that are carried both in-store and online—and many retailers are even monitoring shelf space to ensure it remains this way.

Advertisements

Having access to more Black-owned beauty brands is not only an important way to support brands and founders but also to drive change for the entire Black community. It’s easier than ever. And what’s more, so many of these brands are changing the game and challenging industry norms—we’re talking extended shade ranges, and more inclusive skincare and haircare products. And more offerings that were hard (more like practically impossible) to find before.

To celebrate this, we have compiled a list of twelve of our favorite Black-owned beauty brands that offer products across all categories: skincare, haircare, makeup, body care, tools, and more.

Advertisements

12 Black-Owned Beauty Brands We Love

Topicals

Topicals offer one-step skincare solutions that are backed by science and made for every shade. With an emphasis on skincare products that are suitable for flare-ups, founder Olamide Olowe knows how connected skin health and mental health are, so Topical’s mission is to transform the way you feel about your skin.

Gilded Body

Gilded Body believes that feeling beautiful and achieving wellness is found through self-care. They carry body care products that engage the senses and invite the user to slow down and bask in the luxury of high-quality, botanically driven, dermatologically developed skincare and tools.

Pat McGrath Labs

Nicknamed the “Mother of Makeup,” Pat McGrath is the world’s most influential and in-demand makeup artist. With countless launches selling out in record-breaking times, the hype for this brand is real. And it continues to push the boundaries of the makeup industry.

Range Beauty

Range Beauty offers makeup essentials for ultra-sensitive skin—specifically, for acne and eczema. Alicia Scott, CEO, and Founder suffered from eczema and cystic acne. She was frustrated that she couldn’t find makeup that acknowledged both her skin tone and her skin conditions. Range Beauty was born to ensure that those with any skin type, in any shade, could find products they could trust.

Fenty Beauty

We’d be remiss not to include RiRi’s beauty brands, Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin. After years of struggling to find products that performed across all skin types and tones, Rihanna set out to create Fenty—first starting with makeup and then extending into skincare.

Lys Beauty

The mission of Lys Beauty is to diversify the clean beauty industry. Founded by Tisha Thompson, Lys Beauty was the first Black-owned Sephora Clean Makeup brand! Their products have universal shade offerings, provide high-performance results, and the best part: they are all under $30

Oui the People

Oui the People aims to build efficacious products, designed thoughtfully, that help you feel great in the skin you’re already in rather than pursuing flawlessness. Crafted without sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates, their products range from shaving necessities like razors and exfoliators to hydrating body balms and glosses.

Pattern

Powerhouse Tracee Ellis Ross founded Pattern with the promise of meeting your hair where it is and empowering your curl pattern. To keep hair healthy, hydrated, juicy, and joyful, Pattern offers a range of products for washing, treating, and styling. 

Advertisements

Briogeo

Briogeo is on a mission to empower every person to succeed on their hair health journey. They know that everyone’s journey is different, so they have multiple lines of products that are suitable for damaged hair, thin hair, frizzy hair, dry scalps, and beyond. This way, each individual can confidently embrace their unique hair, texture, color, and everything else that makes them or exactly who they are.

Mielle Organics

Monique Rodriguez is an RN turned Founder and CEO who has taken the haircare market by storm through Mielle Organics. Created with nature and science, Mielle Organics is a haircare and beauty brand that believes healthier ingredients encourage healthier hair and skin.

Luv Scrub

Mesh exfoliators have been used in West Africa for generations. But it wasn’t until 2011 when Caroline, Founder of LUV SCRUB, realized it could become a cult-favorite product outside of Ghana. It immediately pushed boundaries in the body care space. And now, this magical mesh can be found in some of the largest retailers including Nordstrom, Ulta, and Bloomingdales.

Black Girl Sunscreen

Shontay Lundy created Black Girl Sunscreen after being frustrated with the lack of sunscreen options formulated for women of color. Made with melanated skin in mind, Black Girl Sunscreen has filled a large gap in the market and has continued to grow exponentially since its inception.

The Only Bags Worth Investing in Right Now

Published on by Crystal Lee2 Comments

Many of us have participated in several self-guided virtual retail therapy appointments while at home in recent months with hopes of catching the latest arrivals and best sales the internet has to offer.

Advertisements

Like the majority of 2020, trends have taken an interesting turn as we quickly adopted the sudden change in our everyday lifestyles. Although our lives may not be the same as they were at the beginning of the year, handbags have never left our sides. With so many intricate designs, colors, and styles to choose from, there’s no doubt a girl’s best friend is her latest handbag purchase.

Today, the spotlight is on Hogoè Elimiera. Aside from being an astounding brilliant Writer, Hogoè Elimiera is now a business owner! If you are not following her on Twitter then you are missing out. Miss Hogoè pretty opulence handbags popped up on @BeautyLeeBar feed, and we decided to take a glimpse. And we were not disappointed. The holidays are coming so, head over to hogoekpessou.com to get your precious momma, girlfriend, wife, sister, etc these luxurious cute handbags that are dreamy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHgLABCDB2y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Hogoekpessou.com COLLECTION

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHEACjVjxIS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

BEE leather saddle, $95

Italian leather, $415

Clock-Work, $90

COMMENT BELOW YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Advertisements

5 Black-Owned CBD Brands To Add To Your Self-Care Routine

Published on by Crystal Lee3 Comments

It comes as no surprise that the cannabis industry and the legalization of marijuana is yet another barrier that Black business owners face. A new report released by Grand View Research, Inc stated that the global legal marijuana market size is expected to reach $73.6 billion by 2027. However, many states have very specific guidelines that stand as barriers for many people of color looking to get into the cannabis business and Black and brown people are still serving harsher sentences for the possession and distribution of drugs than their white counterparts.

Advertisements

In tandem with that, Black people across the country lack the capital and access to venture into the marijuana business due to the various restrictions as to who can own cannabis businesses. While the fight continues to dismantle another area in which systemic racism oppresses our community, these business owners are propelling forward to be the diversity that the whitewashed wellness industry so desperately needs. Here are five Black-owned CBD brands to support with varying products.

1. brwnbox

The Jersey-based CBD dispensary founded by Almaz Adeigbolo offers everything from pre-rolls and honey, to bath bombs that reduce anxiety. They also sell strains of CBD flower to help with depression and insomnia. Additionally, Adeigbolo is also a chef, and she curates cannabis-infused culinary experiences with her boutique food company, brwnbox kitchen.

2. BROWN GIRL jane 

BROWN GIRL jane is owned by sisters Malaika and Nia Jones and beauty and wellness expert Tai Beauchamp. The Spellman grads started the company after Malaika fell in love with the healing properties of plants and CBD, and felt frustrated with the lack of representation of people of color. Their products range from facial serums to body butter and yoni oils.

Advertisements

3. Undefined Beauty 

Founded by Dorian Morris, Undefined Beauty combines cannabis and skincare. The clean beauty advocate’s line features firming serums, cruelty-free lip balms, and bath salts.

4. Budzy Box 

Not sure where to begin your CBD journey? This company provides a monthly subscription service of products such as calming wearable patches, chocolates that fight anxiety, nourishing facial masks, feel-good teas, healthful treats, and soothing balms all delivered to your door.

Advertisements

5. Satan’s Breath CBD Hot Sauce

Yes, you read that right, hot sauce. Chef Paul Booker intends to blend up his passion for food and cannabis for all to enjoy. The former athlete shared that after enduring injuries and extreme physical stress on his body after his college football days, Satan’s Breath was born.

If you’re curious about exploring CBD, support these Black-owned brands as you venture into this area of wellness!

Advertisements

POSTS YOU WILL LOVE:

SWITCH WIG, MAKE HIM FEEL LIKE HE CHEATIN’

Published on by Crystal Lee2 Comments

Wigs have been around since the late 17th century. As a black woman that has beautiful kinky coily curly hair, I can say that wigs serve many purposes. I for one do like to switch up my hairstyles whenever I’m in the mood and wigs are a great essential for that. Just don’t forget to take care of your beautiful natural hair under the cap. Over the last 2-3 years, my wig collection has grown expeditiously.

If it were up to me and not my bank account, I would have a room full of wigs named after my favorite celebrities. From Cardi B to Viola Davis, wigs have become a mainstay for boss women not only because of their convenience but also for their undeniable flair. If you want to try a new style or color, you can always rock a wig to try it out before making a permanent decision.

In the past few years, the negative connotation with wigs has been replaced with that of opulence and class. Back in the day, wearing a wig was seen as a way to go undercover or as a hair loss solution. While you can keep those on the list of pros of rocking a wig, they offer so much more in this day and age.

Advertisements

Before even jumping into the wigs I bought from HerGivenHair.com, let us talk about how it is important to start with a good quality wig. As far as human hair wigs go, they do tend to look extremely natural however, they can also run you a few hundred dollars (at least). If money is tight, some synthetic ones are much cheaper and are pretty impressive on the appearance tip too. If you opt for a monofilament wig, they do look like the hair from your wig is growing from your scalp while a hand-tied is less dense and also looks more natural than machine-wefted or stitched wigs. Just make sure to keep in mind that the less money you spend on a synthetic wig, the less likely you’ll be able to use heat styling tools (because they will melt the hair). Also, please avoid wigs that have that crescent moon type of hairline; the more natural the hairline the better.

If you opt to go to an actual beauty supply store, the customer service agents there should be able to assist you with finding a wig that best fits your hair and personal style. But if you’d prefer to order a wig online, there are plenty of naturalista pros out in the YouTube world who can totally help you out. Some videos worth checking out are located here, here, here and here.

Advertisements

I understand that finding the right wig for you can sometimes be a challenge. Not every hair brand is trustworthy and not every Instagram Influencer/model is trustworthy. Sometimes they only care about the quick money they can make. BeautyLeeBar for one isn’t going to mention a product if the quality and quantity are not up to par. I have been wearing braids for a couple of months now and I am itching to rock a wig again.

I say all of this because I am admitting to being influenced by the beautiful Afro Latina Amara La Negra. Around July, Amara La Negra announced she was a partner with hergivenhair.com. That is when I decided to make a purchase. Amara is known for her honesty, and I truly believe she wouldn’t work with just any hair brand. When her pictures came out, I couldn’t help but be in awe.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCdw76QDtJi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

FYI, the wigs are expensive but I have bought way more expensive wigs that the quality of the hair didn’t match. I am not saying just blow your money away though, still, be smart.

(Oh, and if you’re looking for some real-looking affordable wigs, check out these videos here, here and here.)

Advertisements

Back to hergivenhair, even though the wigs are on the pricey side I can confess the hair texture is perfect and the hair itself is full and bouncy. I purchased the wigs already bleached and plucked which made applying the wig on top of my hair easier. You can not tell that it is a wig which I am living for. Honestly, it is hergivenhair.com for me.

Below are my faves from hergivenhair.com:

Brown Ombre headband wig-HBWIG06

For Sample Pic:

Hair Texture:Coily
Hair Length: 16 Inches
Hair Volume(Before Styling): 185g
Wig Type: Machine-made Weft

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

– Beginner Friendly
– Full Protective Style With No Leave Out
– Protect Your Edges Well
– Super Natural and Convenient With No Lace And No Glue
– Different Styles According To Your Mood

Big Hair No Care Unit-LFW59S

For Sample Pic:

Hair Texture: Curly
Hair Length: 20 Inches
Hair Volume(Before Styling): 260g
Wig Type: Lace Closure Wig

Her Story:

Your bad hair days are finally over! Come get this long full look with an amazing dome shaped curls in our 20 inches Curly Lace Closure wig. This voluminous hair is the way to go! It’s impossible not to look fearless with this look! Your friends will scream, “this is everything and I need this ASAP!” The hair is very defined and curly and great for the summer. The special cut layer of this unit is designed to achieve a full textured look, it’s a girl’s amazing curly dream. Our customers think so and you can see that many people are ranking this look at number one for their favorite post!

Something about Mary Unit-MSW01S

The “Something about Mary” unit was inspired by Msnaturallymary as her signature wig. With fusions of her favorite natural hair elements, this unit was created to enhance the protective styling experience. It does not require any leave out and looks super natural, making it the most ideal protective style. It is shaped and customized in a manner to mimic a diva cut/ heart shape design; both of which are a natural girls dream. You’ll be sure to turn heads in this wig.

Texture:Coily
Length:14″,16″ and 18″ were used to custom make this unit.
Volume Of Style A: Before Styling 275g
After Styling 270g
Volume Of Style B: Before Styling 355g
After Styling 350g

Getting the Most out of Your Unit Directions:
Step 1: Co wash
-Aussie moist 7 in 1 conditioner
Or
-As I am co wash
Step 2: Apply Styling products
-Aloe Vera Juice
-Dark n lovely Aue Naturale Curl Defining Glaze
-Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly
Step 3: Use Denman brush (Felicia Leatherwood) to define curls
Step 4: Allow the hair to air dry or use a diffuser to dry the hair
Step 5: Be fabulous

Diva Curly Unit-LFW20S

For Sample Pic:

Pic Hair Length: 14 Inches Hair Volume (Before Styling): 170g Wig Type: Lace Front Wig

“The Flame Within” Coily Unit-TLW33S

For Sample Pic:

Hair Texture: Coily
Hair Length: 14 Inches
Hair Volume(Before Styling): 200g
Wig Type: Lace Closure Wig

Blow-out highlights Headband Wig-HBWIG08

For Sample Pic:

Hair Texture:Kinky Blow out
Hair Length: 16 Inches
Hair Volume(Before Styling): 185g
Wig Type: Machine-made Weft

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

– Beginner Friendly
– Full Protective Style With No Leave Out
– Protect Your Edges Well
– Super Natural and Convenient With No Lace And No Glue
– Different Styles According To Your Mood

Advertisements

If you’re planning to get a protective style or simply want to experiment with natural looking hair extensions, I totally recommend HerGivenHair.  Feel free to check out their website by clicking here and subscribe to their YouTube channel for awesome content. Hopefully one day you’ll see me on their page! 🤍